Chapter 7: Festival of Bacchus

"Ok, Daddy, so we know Katie's mate is Kreil, but are mine and Susanna's Kreil too, or are they friends from separate tribes?" Izzy asked, her eyes implored her father as they walked around the festival tents. Izzy was holding onto her father's arm, allowing him to lead her through the paths as they talked about the mates he had met the prior evening.

The village surrounding the castle had set up a giant tent city within the grounds of the castle. Each vendor brought their wares to sell and trade while the castle was overrun with thousands of visitors. The small town outside the castle was intent on capitalizing on the tourism, the shops spent most of the year preparing for the three weeks in June to sell their goods and services. The tribe that lived in this area was well known for its artisans and tradesmen.

A tent just ahead of where they walked advertised fortunes with a real-live witch. Another tent had wares set up on tables, they sold stones and gems set in a